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[M394]Memory Foam Down Pillow

by C Simmons, C S

We've all seen the ads, and the hype, about memory foam and other types of foam bedding products. But, how much of this is simply Brand Name positioning and attempts to capture the bedding market? And, when you throw in proprietary and patented formulations, well, that is what makes brand names and creates a lot of options.

Most synthetic bedding foams are basically polyurethane-based foams of either an open or closed cell structure, produced from and with the aid of, other chemicals. Proprietary brand name foams favorably adjust the qualities of the foam by adding specific agents, and both the formulation and the specifically created features become identified with the brand name. Of course, the owners of these patents jealously protect both their name and what it represents in terms of products and quality.

Although durable closed-cell polyurethane foam was apparently a German creation during wartime, open-cell or ?memory? foam was originally developed by NASA scientists in the United States. That original formulation was further improved upon, initially, by a Swedish company now known as Tempur-Pedic, which also patented their formulation. First used commercially as a medical aid for certain difficult cases, this company later spearheaded the retail sale of memory foam bedding to households around the world.

Nowadays, high quality memory foam is also manufactured by numerous reputable companies in the United States and around the world. And, with its broad appeal in the marketplace, it's no wonder the Chinese have been working to take on the market by improving their products and offering them at prices American companies can't match.

Taken as a class, all memory foams have certain common and very desirable features. Specifically, the ability to recover gradually from body impressions, and more ?cradling? and ?cushioning? of body contours. And, if you ever doubted that little bit of ?sinking into the foam?, be aware that the additional contact of the foam with more square inches of body surface results in greater distribution of body weight, and reduction of troublesome ?pressure points?.

In terms of the ?feel? of one specific brand of foam, combined with its perceived support and hardness, this is the domain of specific brands and models of foam. US foam manufacturers such as Foamex and Carpenter actually manufacture a variety of foam types (models) in a range of densities, while for many years the Swedish brand held fast to their flagship formulation.

And, what about all the claims and testimonials to the benefits of sleeping on memory foam? While memory foam is a great thing and does help many people find better and more comfortable sleep, it is very important to understand that you really shouldn't be expecting these products to solve all of your health and sleep issues. There are times when you should see a doctor, a chiropractor, or seek to address the actual cause of your particular issue from another angle. And, perhaps to do both at the same time!

If you happen to be one of those chemically sensitive individuals or an environmentalist, you might be more interested in natural (non-synthetic) foams such as Green Latex and Reflex Natural. Among other things, Natural or Green Latex is naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, and dust and mite resistant. On the other hand, the term ?Talalay Latex?, while it actually refers to the process for creating spongy latex foam, is frequently also used to refer to a hybrid blend of both natural and synthetic foams. We'll talk more in another article.

In another example of dubious “health” information as marketing, some manufacturers of high-tech memory foam sleep materials have begun using a scare tactic to sell their products. These companies are seriously stretching the truth by instilling fear in the public about a common chemical, methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, or TDI. By trumpeting the somewhat exaggerated dangers of TDI, these companies position themselves to provide a “safer” alternative.

TDI has been in use for decades in the production of memory foam sleep products and virtually every other kind of polyurethane foam. The chemical is used in the production of shoe soles, car seats, furniture cushions and literally thousands of other items we use on a daily basis. TDI is used as a catalyst, initiating the chemical reaction that turns liquid foam into solid foam.

For the purposes of this article, an important distinction must be made between TDI in the manufacturing process and TDI in end-use consumer products. In its raw form, TDI does indeed pose significant health risks including cancer, and there are strict guidelines for the safe handling of TDI in the workplace. However, as dangerous it may be in the production process, consumers never encounter TDI in their finished products. According to the Polyurethane Foam Association, by the time foam products leave the factory, the TDI has been consumed and metabolized through chemical reactions. That means that by the time you lace up your shoes or settle into your sofa, TDI is no longer present in the polyurethane products you use.

Because of the risks associated with TDI in the workplace, some marketers have seen an opportunity to scare consumers with half truths, and sell more of their products. By massaging data on workplace risk, they can create the illusion that TDI is dangerous to consumers as well, but claims like these are simply an old fashioned scare tactic. Indeed, many of the products we use have dangerous chemicals involved in their production. Highly toxic mercury is often used in the production of gold to separate metal particles from surrounding impurities, but that doesn't mean that your wedding ring will harm you.

If TDI was truly a health risk to consumers, or even a cancer risk as some have suggested, we would be feeling its effects every day. Approximately 1.5 billion lbs of TDI were produced in the U.S. in 2000, much of which was consumed by U.S. manufacturers. The chemical is in widespread use, and is produced and consumed in huge quantities in the U.S, where we have some of the most rigorous health guidelines in the world. If TDI was truly dangerous to consumers, many of the products you use every day would pose a serious risk to your health.

The companies using these scare tactics put forward diphenylmethane diisocyanate, or MDI, as a “safer” alternative to TDI. While MDI could be considered somewhat safer for use in the workplace, that has nothing to do with the risks associated with a finished product.

The EPA's recommended exposure levels for MDI are virtually identical to those for TDI, and the warnings for both compounds are directed at workplace risk, not consumer risk. In fact, the two compounds are so closely related, and the health risks so similar, that most articles on the subject discuss isocyanate compounds, which include both MDI and TDI, as a group rather than individually.

Besides the marketing opportunity, there are also very practical reasons for these companies to eliminate TDI from their production processes, and most have to do with the bottom line. Because MDI is slightly less volatile and less toxic in the work environment, it requires fewer costly safety measures like increased ventilation, etc. However, one drawback to MDI, and one reason why all companies haven't made the switch, is because the use of MDI makes it more difficult to make truly durable foam. Ultimately, manufacturers using MDI are more concerned about workplace lawsuits and their bottom line than they are about their customer's safety.

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Both C Simmons & Jon Campbell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

C Simmons has sinced written about articles on various topics from Air Purifier Cleaners, Backpain and Home Management. C. Simmons is marketing director for who specializes in 100% natural latex and other comfort products to help customers find relief from fatigue,. C Simmons's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.

Jon Campbell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Water Garden, Interior Design. . Jon Campbell's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.